Case Results

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Charged with Possession of a Concealed Weapon: Dismissed

A U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet was charged in Rhode Island District Court with Possession of a Concealed Weapon. The Cadet was visiting Rhode Island on leave during his Christmas holiday break. He went out on the town one evening with friends. The friends rallied at one friend’s apartment and then traveled together into downtown Providence for a celebration. Their activities included bar hopping and consuming alcohol. As the night grew old, the group of friends was separated. The Cadet and some of the friends returned to the host’s home by Uber. Upon arrival, they were uncertain if the host was home. He lived in a multifamily dwelling. The men entered the common access hallway and ascended to the host’s apartment, but the door was locked. The Cadet and his friends knocked multiple times and even unsuccessfully phoned the host on his cellphone. The men’s presence in the hallway alarmed one of the other tenants in the home. The disturbed tenant called police. Upon arrival, police believed they were investigating a potential burglary or breaking and entering. This prompted police to detain and search the host’s friends, including the Cadet. Police frisked the Cadet and discovered a small, folding pocket knife clipped to his pocket. The Cadet was fully cooperative with police to include disclosing the night’s activities, reason at the multifamily dwelling and disclosing the presence of the knife clipped to his pocket when asked if he had any weapons in his possession. Notwithstanding, police arrested and charged the Cadet with misdemeanor Possession of a Concealed Weapon. Knowing that a criminal conviction of any kind, and even possibly an arrest could result in his disenrollment from the U.S. Air Force Academy and potential destruction of his career, the man retained Rhode Island Criminal Defense and Military Civilian Defense Attorney John L. Calcagni III. Attorney Calcagni immediately phoned prosecutors to discuss what he believed to be his client’s wrongful arrest. The knife in his client’s possession was clipped to the pocket, not concealed and it complied with limitations on blade length. Attorney Calcagni also impressed upon them that his client was scheduled to graduate the academy and commission as an Air Force Officer the following semester and was recently selected to become a fighter pilot. Based on these collective factors, Attorney Calcagni was able to successfully persuade the State to dismiss this case and its charge at arraignment. All law enforcement and judicial records related to this incident have has since been destroyed and sealed, respectively.

Criminal Defense

Military Defense

Reviews

John Calcagni is the best of the best. I retained him multiple times to represent me in various military matters, to include administrative separation. John is an expert in his field. He is knowledge, professional, caring and aggressive. He has obtained nothing but top results and success on my behalf. I recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation. If you want the number one lawyer in your corner, John is your man.

Andrew Michaud

13:21 21 Sep 18

I had the pleasure of working with John and his team this past year and I couldn't be happier with the service I received. John and his team were professional, courteous and most of all incredibly effective. If I ever need legal services again I will definitely engage John Calcagni and his outstanding team again.

MARY DEBELLO

18:23 11 Sep 18

I highly recommend John Calcagni and his team. My daughter attends college in RI and we live in NY. She found herself in trouble and was arrested on a Disorderly Conduct matter. Our good friend is an attorney in NY and when we realized he could not represent us in RI he found a colleague who highly recommended John. From the first conversation with John, who responded to my initial message immediately, I knew we would be in good hands. He answered all questions and explained the process in as much detail as needed. He was very confident that he would get the charges dismissed. He worked closely with my daughter (his client) while keeping in touch with us, the parents. John was always attainable to us via email, text or phone call and took his time to be sure we understood each step of the case. John delivered the outcome he promised and exactly what we were looking for, we couldn't be more pleased. I would not hesitate to recommend him and (god forbid) I need assistance with the law in RI again, he would be the first call I make!! Thanks John for everything you did for our daughter!!! Mary and Wayne DeBello

Jen Marie

22:33 23 Jun 18

I don’t know where to begin! When I first met with John, I immediately felt like I was in good hands. He is charismatic, funny and really takes the time to get to know you and get a feel for your case. He was very detail oriented and thorough and worked with me for almost two years. Through this exhausting and stressful process, he made me feel comfortable and made sure I understood what was going on every step of the way. I am so thankful I went with John and would absolutely, without a doubt recommend him to anyone who needs help.

John Madden

18:11 05 Sep 18

I'm an active duty soldier and I got a DUI. I deserved the penalties and reprimands but I did not deserve to loose everything. When I was notified that I would be facing a QMP board for separation I knew I had to do all I could to fight back against it for myself and for my family. I am extremely grateful for John and his team. I had no idea about the list of standards I was up against that the board would use to determine weather or not I could keep my job and continue to support my family. Mr. Calcagni systematically itemized and proved beyond a doubt that I met and or exceeded each standard giving the board a clear picture that I still hold value to the Army. He took my personal side and my professional side along with all the legal points and drafted a rebuttal that saved my career. Had I attempted to go against the board on my own I would have surely been denied. Not because I deserved it, but because it is a battle that soldiers are not equipped to deal with on their own and the Army provides zero support. It's terrifying to think back about all that I was up against that I didn't even know about. John and his team come highly recommended and I can't thank them enough for leveling the playing field and placing the control of my career back into my hands. My family and I are forever grateful.

Mr. Calcagni is an absolute LIFE SAVER!!! He is genuinely one of the most intelligent people I have ever met in my life! He masterfully saved my husband's naval career TWICE when we thought all hope was lost at a command where bias and dishonesty rule. My husband and I are forever in his debt and there is not enough we could do or say to show our gratitude. He has a big heart and he fought hard for our family. We would recommend him a thousand times over!!!!